Wrekin, alongside Geoworks, has opened a new


customer experience centre in Lichfield


Worcester Bosch celebrates its one millionth Greenstar 4000 boiler coming off the tracks.


Hannah Spencer MP visits Henshaws’ Denton branch


Hannah Spencer, MP for Gorton and Denton, visited Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies in Denton, their third branch in Greater Manchester, as part of the BMF’s industry and parliament programme.


Spencer was welcomed by marketing manager Rachel Shelley, branch manager Kevin Doyle and Brett Amphlett from the Builders Merchants Federation.


Touring the 1½ acre site, which opened at the beginning of June, the day included discussions on making homes more resilient against overheating following the recent heatwaves, protecting homes from flooding and the


OBITUARY: Peter Latham OBE


It is with great sadness that BMJ reports the death of Peter Latham OBE after a short illness. He had a long career with James Latham PLC, starting as a salesman in 1972; serving on the Board from 1983; and as Chairman from 2006 until his retirement in 2017.


He was also a Forestry England Commissioner; a trustee of the Commonwealth Forestry Association; and a trustee of the William Robinson Gravetye Charity. Peter served on the International Board of Directors of the Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification for ten years, including five years as Chair from 2016 to 2021. During that time, he helped guide the organisation through a period of significant growth, strengthening the PEFC alliance and expanding its global reach.


In 2012, Peter was awarded an OBE for his services to the UK wood industry. In 2018, the Timber Trade Journal honoured him with a Lifetime Achievement Award.


need for water conservation. Rachel Shelley, marketing manager, commented: “We were delighted to welcome Hannah Spencer to our new Denton


branch. It isn’t every day you get to meet an MP who has actually worked in the trade, so it was a genuine pleasure to show her around and talk shop.” Before entering Parliament, Spencer worked as a plumber, gas engineer and plasterer and is well known locally as “Hannah the Plumber”. She is the Green MP lead on Housing and is keen to encourage more young people to choose a career in the skilled, low carbon trades.


Henshaws supports the BMF’s “BM Careers” initiative which helps reach local talent and showcases the wide range of rewarding careers available in the building materials supply chain.


Premier Forest Products to restart operations at Croespenmaen site


Premier Forest Products is to restarting timber operations at its 10- acre Croespenmaen site following the closure of SDL Sawmills. The phased restart will see a number of former SDL employees return to work as operations are progressively re- established. Premier Forest, which leases


the site, and sub-let it to SDL, plans to develop it into a centre of excellence for fencing and landscaping timber products, supported by an on-site timber treatment facility.


The investment will further


strengthen Premier Forest Products’ national manufacturing and distribution network, enabling it to supply customers across the UK from the


strategically important operation. Neil Davies, chief financial and operating officer of Premier Forest Products, said: “The


August 2026 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


closure of SDL was obviously disappointing, particularly for the employees affected and their families. As soon as we became aware of the situation, our priority was to look at how we could secure the future of timber operations at the site. The site will become an important hub within our UK manufacturing and distribution network.” As part of the relaunch, Deborah Llewellyn has been appointed operations manager and Rhys Watkins will be sales manager for the site.


Cemex announces the opening of Swindon mortar and concrete facility.


NEWS IN BRIEF


Heidelberg gets going on Padeswood Groundwork is progressing on the UK’s first carbon capture facility at Heidelberg Materials UK’s Padeswood site.


The completed groundwork, carried out through Worley and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, includes the installation of newt and security fencing, diversion of overhead powerlines and cables, and the removal of 25,000 tonnes of topsoil, which has been stockpiled for re-use in reinstatement works on site.


Huws Gray extends Pro Ref partnership Huws Gray Group and Professional Game Referees have agreed a two- year extension to their partnership. As official kit sponsor for the 2026/27 and 2027/28 football seasons, the Huws Gray Group logo will feature on the matchday and training kits of referees, assistant referees and VAR officials across English professional football, spanning the Premier League, EFL, National League, WSL Football and FA Cup competitions.


FM Mattsson buys Bristan Bristan Group has a new owner following its acquisition by the FM Mattsson Group.


The acquisition of the


brassware company complements the FM Mattsson Group’s existing UK and Ireland business Aqualla, strengthening its position in consumer-led bathroom products. Fredrik Skarp, CEO of FM Mattsson Group, says: “As the largest brassware supplier in the UK, Bristan gives us a significantly stronger platform in one of Europe’s largest markets for bathroom and kitchen mixers.”


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